Three and a half billion women live on Earth, and one in three will be raped in her lifetime. Recent incidents in India and South Africa have focused attention on the brutal and unacceptable epidemic of violence toward women

Monday February 25, 2013, 11:06 am
There is no more despicable act in history than this. It has ALWAYS been a standard military tactic as well, spread the invader's seed so that when the children grow up, they won't grow up hating the invaders. Then there is just the standard brutalization of women taken for granted by so many nations. One would think if EVERY religion calls this horror what it IS, it would stop, or be severely curtailed. Oh, wait, most do. Well, then that shows the true effect of most religions on men, none. Unless it somehow serves them in their never-ending quest to subjugate women. Men who would die to protect their daughter will not lift their voice in opposition to this abomination? Those then are less than human themselves. The only way to invade someone personal space more abhorrently is to murder him/her and that is the second part of this equation all too often as well by the "common" sex offender who begins with assaults and through a period of incarcerations realizes his mistake is not rape, but leaving a witness behind. I don't have much respect for my own gender in this truly sub-human violence. It stops when MEN say enough, and enforce laws vigorously EVERY time a rape is committed. I won't hold my breath, but that is the answer, men holding each other accountable. So far the track record isn't very good, I hope, believe we can do MUCH better, and every time a cry rises like this we are one step closer to civilization. I just wish it didn't take so freaking long!

Monday February 25, 2013, 9:48 pm
Thanks Cal - it takes a MAN - to acknowledge the terrible history of offense we have perpetuated on the "weaker" sex - and although it is not so - (the weaker sex, I refer to) - the stronger - mucularly, monetarily and those in control will always attempt to exploit the perceived inferior for their own benefit - it continues to this day! It must be stopped! and a universal respect of all peoples, regardless of sex, religion, or questioned abilities - be they due to sexual orientation, disability or economic backgroumd, must be instituted in every culture and it is each of our personal responsiblities to promote it!
Thanks Cal

Monday February 25, 2013, 11:29 pm
Thank you for taking action
You've taken the pledge to Stand With Women Around The World: No More Rape, Violence or Fear.
#283. Thanks, Cal! And thanks to Gene and Lee for your astute comments!

Tuesday February 26, 2013, 3:15 am
I have signed this and agree with the spirit of the campaign. However descending to the level of tacky journalism to promote a cause, no matter how laudable, can back fire and have the opposite effect. The phrase “an end to the EPEDEMIC of sexual violence” suggests that this is a new thing. It is NOT. Subjugating women to the level of breed-mares and beasts of burden has been a feature of many countries across the globe. In the West this has largely stopped but in Africa, Asia and Islamic countries it is endemic amongst the masses and the idea of a “Golden Age for Women” in the past is unproven to a great extent. Young boys (as are girls) are generally raised by their mothers and if they grow up in an environment where their mothers are subjected to sub-human abuse by adult males how can they develop respect for women including their own mothers and sisters let alone strangers? Raised voices are a good idea but a quantum change in many societies and ideologies is also needed.

Tuesday February 26, 2013, 9:16 am
This is not an epidemic, it is a pandemic with no cure. Men need to be educated that rape is not acceptable and women that it is not their shame that they have been so abused. It is true that males get raped too but that tends to be as paedophilia rather than as adults. Rape is a violent assault and must be regarded as such.

I would like to see governments take it more seriously (especially Muslim ones) but the majority of law makers are male and don't care. (Muslims regard boys as female until they develop facial hair and children don't count in Islam anyway.) I, personally, would like to see all alleged rapes world wide investigated properly, with respect and care towards the victim, and brought to trial whenever possible. Sentences must be a minimum of 20 years to be served in prison before parole is considered.

More women would report this if they know that they will be treated properly, and that included in court. The woman is not on trial, it doesn't matter if she has slept with every male in Chicago, no means no!